The American Red Cross has announced its Quilts for Veterans project will continue this year.

Through Nov. 11, local quiltmakers can bring their quilts to a nearby Gate City Bank for drop off. The Red Cross and partners will later distribute the quilts to VA hospitals, homes and stand-down events across the region, according to a Red Cross news release.

“This community partnership makes a significant difference in the lives of veterans,” said Kimberly Vosseteig, executive director of the American Red Cross serving Eastern North Dakota and Northwestern Minnesota, in the release. “People across our region are eager to support veterans, especially those who might need an extra helping hand this holiday season.”

Quilts and fleece blankets:

– Must be new and/or made with new materials.

– May be handmade or purchased.

– Preferably 60-inch by80-inch with neutral, masculine or patriotic themes.

– Must be sturdy enough to undergo industrial washing and sterilizing used in hospitals and care facilities, with no loose yarns or strings that could catch on medical equipment.

Quilts and blankets will go home with veterans upon hospital discharge.

American Red Cross Service to Armed Forces, together with the Hero Care Network, provides military families with emergency communications, connects them to financial assistance resources and offers mental health support and information services to military members, veterans and their families. The regional team provides on average more than 6,000 services to military members, their families and veterans, and reaches on average nearly 3,000 service members through “Get to Know Us” briefings on how to access Red Cross communications support during family emergencies.